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Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Waldorf Steiner Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, French, German
Typical class size 16
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, Languages, Outdoor Education
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
AIS International School is a privately owned British school with a Steiner-Waldorf inspired educational model for students aged 6 to 18. The curriculum blends the British National Curriculum with Steiner-Waldorf orientation and mindfulness, with English as the medium of instruction. In Primary, learning follows the Main Lesson approach; students keep Main Lesson books and teachers often stay with the same class for years. The Primary programme combines academics, art, music, drama, handwork and movement. The Secondary programme maintains the Main Lesson style while adding more formal study and follows the English National Curriculum, incorporating Steiner-Waldorf and mindfulness influences. AIS prepares students for IGCSE at 16 and A levels at 18, offering subjects across core and arts areas; English remains the language of instruction. The school promotes outdoor-friendly learning in a multicultural, inclusive community with parent involvement, seasonal festivals, residential trips and mindfulness woven into daily life for the whole school.
Camí de l'Ermita, 12, 03580 L'Alfàs del Pi, Alicante, Spain
The Essentials
AIS International School has 270 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in English.
Location
AIS Altea International School is located at Camí de l'Ermita 12, Alfaz del Pi 03580, and Cautivador 18, La Nucía 03530, Alicante, Spain. It sits in the inland Costa Blanca area near Altea and Jávea, accessible by road. A bus service serves the school from Jávea, Calpe and Alicante, with stops in Villajoyosa, Cala Finestrat, Finestrat, Alfaz del Pi, Albir, Benissa, Altea, Mascarat, Villa Gadea and Teulada, subject to demand.
Stages
Primary and Secondary levels for ages 6 to 18.
Type
Private British school with Steiner-Waldorf inspired educational model.
Additional learning support
Special and Additional Learning Needs Policy.
Country affiliation
British
Bus service
There are three buses that serve the school. They come from/go to Jávea, Calpe and Alicante. Stops include Villajoyosa, Cala Finestrat, Finestrat, Alfaz del Pi, Albir, Benissa, Altea, Mascarat, Villa Gadea and Teulada; subject to demand.
Fees
Annual tuition at AIS International School ranges from EUR 6,600 to EUR 7,350 for 2026/27.
Application / Registration and Entry Fees - Annual registration fee (new and returning): EUR 525 (Primary, due by 5 March for 2026/27 places). - Annual registration fee (Secondary / A‑level): EUR 609 (where stated for Secondary and A‑Level). - One‑time administration fee at enrolment: EUR 100. - Refundable enrolment deposit for new students (when not exempted by pre‑payment): Primary: EUR 1,320; Secondary: EUR 1,470 (deposit amount applied at enrolment; deposit is refundable after withdrawal subject to deductions).
Primary tuition (Class 1–5 / Year 2–6) - Standard monthly plan (Direct Debit SEPA only): EUR 660 per month, paid over 10 months (September–June) = EUR 6,600 per academic year. - Annual single‑payment option (early payment discount): example shown — EUR 6,270 (5% discount when paid by the specified early deadline). Alternative single‑payment deadlines and discounts are offered (different deadlines yield different percentage discounts). - Registration and extra enrolment charges: Annual registration EUR 525 (due by the school deadline) plus for new students the refundable deposit EUR 1,320 and the one‑time administration fee EUR 100 when applicable. - Summer school: one week of Summer School is included in the annual school fees for registered Primary families; additional weeks of Summer School are charged (standard published Summer School fee: EUR 135 per week).
Secondary tuition (Class 6–10 / Year 7–11) - Annual tuition (standard): EUR 7,350 per year, payable in 10 monthly instalments from September to June (Direct Debit). - Annual registration fee: EUR 609. One‑time enrolment deposit: EUR 1,470 for new students (deposit refunded on withdrawal after deductions). One‑time administration fee: EUR 100. - Summer school: one week included in the annual fee for registered families.
A‑Level tuition (Class 11–12 / Year 12–13) - Tuition is charged per subject: EUR 3,087 per subject per year. - Payment schedule for A‑Level tuition per subject: payable in 3 trimester instalments (due September, January and April). - Concessions shown: 10% reduction for the 2nd subject, 20% reduction for the 3rd subject. Annual registration fee for A‑Level: EUR 609. One‑time administration fee: EUR 100.
Billing schedule and payment terms (general rules applied across programmes) - Monthly plan: 10 instalments, September through June; monthly instalments are taken by Direct Debit (SEPA) on the 1st of each month. Parents who do not use Direct Debit are required to pay at least a whole term in advance. - Trimester payments: accepted by bank transfer where offered; trimester due dates are the start of each term (example deadlines noted: 1 September, 1 January, 1 April). - Annual single payment: a single annual payment option is available with an early‑payment discount (example: 5% discount when paid by the school's stated early deadline). Families paying the whole year in advance may be exempt from the deposit requirement for new entrants.
Other costs and what is not included in tuition - Not included in tuition: reading books, workbooks and specialised materials for maths and art (compass, ruler, calculator, specialised art supplies) — these are charged separately. - Lunch service: a hot vegetarian lunch service is available; lunch registration and charges are handled through the school's chosen lunch provider. - Bus / transport: bus fees are charged separately and calculated by distance from the school; routes are operated subject to demand and paid in addition to tuition. - Extra‑curricular activities and selected packages (sports, music, arts, clubs) are additional and may be offered as discounted yearly packages if chosen. - Summer School (additional weeks beyond the included week): standard published rate EUR 135 per week (sibling discounts may apply).
Refunds and deposit handling - Enrolment deposit: the deposit taken at enrolment is refundable on request after the student's withdrawal from the school; any outstanding fees or other payments owing to the school are deducted from the deposit before refund. - Deposit exemption: families who pay the whole year in advance (within the school's stated early‑payment window) are typically exempt from paying the deposit at enrolment. - Fees and withdrawal: the school's Fee Agreement contains the full withdrawal and refund schedule and the application of any discounts; the deposit refund procedure and deductions are administered in accordance with that agreement.
Boarding - Boarding is not provided; the school operates as a day school with optional bus transport and on‑site lunch.
Accepted payment methods and practical payment notes - Direct Debit (SEPA) is the required method for the monthly 10‑month plan. Trimester and single annual payments are accepted by bank transfer to the school account. For parents who decline Direct Debit, a whole term in advance payment is required. Specific bank account details and exact payment instructions are supplied in the school's Fee Agreement and payment forms.
Notes on discounts and sibling concessions - Early‑payment discounts are applied for single annual payments (examples: 5% and other tiered discounts depending on payment date). Sibling discounts apply as stated in the school's Terms & Conditions and Fee Agreement; parents are required to follow the school's deadlines to secure discount rates.
Academics
AIS International School teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Waldorf Steiner Curriculum for students aged 6 to 18.
Curriculum
British National Curriculum taught with Steiner-Waldorf orientation and mindfulness integration; English is the medium of instruction. The primary curriculum offers a balanced mix of academics, art, music, drama, handwork and movement; Main Lesson blocks are used and the learning is holistic rather than fragmented. Subjects include maths, English, science, Spanish, Valenciano, German, music, art, crafts, ICT and PSHE, with language development support as needed. The transition to secondary maintains the Main Lesson style and introduces more formal study; the secondary program follows the English National Curriculum with Steiner-Waldorf and mindfulness influences, preparing students for IGCSE at age 16 and A levels at age 18, with subject options across core and arts subjects; English remains the medium of instruction and assessments include external examinations such as IGCSE and A levels.
Exam Results
IGCSE results are published annually. In 2025 overall 71% of entries achieved grades 9-4, with 67% in Science and 77% in Maths; 100% achieved 9-4 in English 2nd language. In 2024 overall 92.4% achieved grades 9-1, with 100% achieving 9-6 in German and 9-5 in English 1st language. (Subject and year specific figures are reported for multiple subjects in recent years.)
Higher Education Progression
In secondary, graduates are adaptable and well-prepared for diverse higher education paths with opportunities within Spain and across the globe.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
AIS follows a uniquely blended education that combines the British National Curriculum with Steiner-Waldorf orientation and mindfulness practices; social and emotional development and artistic expression are emphasised alongside academics; mindfulness practices are woven into daily routines to foster self-awareness, empathy, focus and resilience; community engagement and strong parent involvement are integral to the school culture.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the medium of instruction and all classes are taught in English, except languages, gardening and crafts; primary immersion in English is provided for younger students; 80% of teachers are native English speakers with the rest bilingual; children can enroll up to Class 6 without English, but must have a basic level of English to progress; reading and writing in English begins in Class 2.
Mental Wellbeing
Mindfulness integration is woven into the curriculum to develop self-awareness, empathy, focus and resilience; the approach promotes a calmer, more supportive learning environment and aims to help students manage stress and relate positively to others; social and emotional well-being is a central consideration across primary and secondary education.
Safeguarding
AIS creates a familiar, calm and secure environment and respects each child and their individual development.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Complete the online Enquiry Form. The school will respond with an invitation to a personal or online interview. The enquiry form is available online or by request from the administration office. 2. After submitting the application form, parents are invited for a visit to the school for more information and continuation of the admission process. This visit provides an opportunity to learn more about AIS and the next steps in the admissions process. 3. AIS welcomes children aged 6-18 years. Children can enrol at AIS up to Class 6 without needing to know English, but they must have a basic level of spoken and listening English when entering Class 7. If they enter Class 8 with a low level of English, intensive after-school classes are required, and progress will be assessed at the end of the first term to decide whether they can reach the level required to enter Year 9 and prepare for GCSE. 4. All classes are taught in English, except for languages, gardening and crafts.
FAQs
What does AIS International School offer?
AIS International School is a privately owned British school with a Steiner-Waldorf inspired educational model for students aged 6 to 18. The curriculum blends the British National Curriculum with Steiner-Waldorf orientation and mindfulness, with Eng.
What age range?
Ages 6-18.
What are the fees?
Annual fees: EUR 6,600.
How many students?
Approximately 270 students.
Co-educational?
Yes.
SEN support?
Not specifically mentioned.
Where?
In Spain.
Languages?
English and Spanish are typically offered.
Transport?
Contact school.
What makes it special?
AIS International School is a privately owned British school with a Steiner-Waldorf inspired educational model for students aged 6 to 18. The curricul.
